Kia and Hyundai extend FIFA partnership for 2018 & 2022 FIFA World Cup™

• FIFA Partner sponsorship continues to enhance Kia's brand image as a leading global automaker
• Football sponsorship is the core element of Kia sports marketing programs
• Kia, in conjunction with Hyundai Motor, to sponsor all FIFA competitions until 2022 as a FIFA Partner

SEOUL, Nov. 24 /CNW/ - With only one week left before the announcement of the host countries for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournaments, Kia Motors Corporation, in conjunction with Hyundai Motor Company, has extended its agreement with the world football governing body, FIFA, to an unprecedented long-term commitment for sponsoring the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 and 2022 in the product category of an Automotive Official Partner.

After a series of success in sponsorship involvements and sharing corporate values and vision through the past three FIFA World Cups, Hyundai-Kia has strategically decided to renew the partnership agreement four years before its existing agreement expires. The eight-year extension until 2022 will entitle the carmakers with sponsorship rights to all FIFA competitions, exclusive marketing opportunities, unrivalled global media exposure and affiliation with FIFA's special events and development initiatives.

"We believe this agreement extension will provide a great deal of benefit to all those involved with the tournament," commented Hyoung-Keun (Hank) Lee, Vice Chairman, Kia Motors Corporation. "Although the extension has been made without knowing the host countries of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup™ tournaments, we are confident that this renewal will enhance our brand in line with the values and vision of football around the world."

Kia Motors first partnered with FIFA in 2007 and became committed to growing the relationship between football, its fans and Kia drivers around the world.  "Our commitment goes further than before.  As FIFA sets the standard for the highest level of football in the world, Kia will continue to challenge itself in achieving the highest levels of quality, design and performance in our new generation of products," continued Lee. "We look forward to advancing an already successful partnership to the next level by working closer than ever, and hope to grow together with FIFA to achieve our common objectives."

"We are extremely happy to extend the partnership with Hyundai-Kia as one of the top FIFA Partners who will provide active support for an additional two editions of the FIFA World Cup™ in 2018 and 2022," said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter. "Hyundai and Kia are true football partners who understand and share our philosophy and passion for the beautiful game of football. FIFA is confident that Hyundai and Kia will continue to support us in developing the sport and further extending its reach around the world through their dedicated commitment to the game."

Kia has already demonstrated itself to be a reliable and effective FIFA Partner, having served as an official automotive supplier during the 2010 FIFA World Cup^TM.  As an Official Automotive FIFA Partner, Kia will endeavor to support FIFA in providing efficient transportation globally over the next twelve-year period, including the current contract term until 2014, with a full range of models in the next FIFA World Cup™ tournaments in 2014, 2018 and 2022, along with other FIFA competitions.

Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) -- a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart -- was founded in 1944 and is Korea's oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world's premier automotive brands. Over 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced in 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries which are then sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries. Kia today has over 42,000 employees worldwide and annual revenues of over US$14.6 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA -- the governing body of the FIFA World Cup™. Kia Motors Corporation's brand slogan -- "The Power to Surprise" -- represents the company's global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

For further information:

Kia Canada Inc. Media Contact:
Jack Sulymka
Public Relations Manager
(O): 905.755.6266
(C): 905.301.6207
e-mail: [email protected]